Speaking Science - Communicating Science in a post truth era by Amanda Stanley

Graphic recording by Amy Sparks of  A Visual Spark (1/17/2019)

Amanda Stanley from Compass offered up suggestion to communicate effectively in a "post-truth" world.  Passing false information through the media has been going on since at least the 17th Century. False news often spreads much faster than real news so it is difficult for the truth to catch up.

Changing people's minds with facts does not work. People want to bury the opposition with facts, destroy them, and sometimes end up being a jerk. Asking people to change their beliefs often requires them to change who they are. This usually does not happen.

Extending curiosity to find out what people care about and where there is a common interest can be a productive starting point for discussion. Connect to people with shared values, build trust, and share the awe of scientific discovery.

During her talk audience members watched a brief video on the Speaking Science improv for scientists mini-workshops held throughout the year.  I was fortunate to attend this class and found it to be very helpful and a great learning experience. Working on improvisation for scientists improves interpersonal and communication skills. Alan Alda advocated this in his book, If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?

Christine O'Connel, The Alan Alda Center - Improv. in Science - 13 min. 

Alan Alda - Relating Through Improvisation - 5 min. 

Improvisation for the Communication of Science - Alan Alda - 14 min.